US to consult with Security Council members on Myanmar

The US plans to hold consultations with the UNSC members on a resolution, which would describe junta's actions as a threat to peace.

The United States plans to hold consultations with other Security Council members on a resolution, which would describe the actions of Myanmar military regime as a threat to peace and security and ask it to take concrete steps to reverse the situation.

But it would not call for sanctions and it is unclear whether other members of the council would go along.

American UN Ambassador John Bolton described the influx of refugees in the neighbouring countries as a threat to peace and security of the region but did not indicate when he expects to move the resolution.

Bolton's statement came after a top United Nations official told the Council that things have not improved in the country and stressed the need for the military regime to release political prisoners, including pro democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

The government should also take "concrete steps" to address areas of global concern, said Under Secretary General for Political Affairs Ibrahim Ghambari, briefing the Council on his four-day trip to the Myanmar.

During the visit, he met with top government officials, including Senior General Than Shwe, as well as with Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest for 10 of the past 16 years.

Gambari said the authorities had made "some small steps" since his previous visit in May, including the release of former officials Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), but he warned that the "good offices" process of the Secretary General towards Myanmar "cannot be open ended".